Powerscourt Estate, County Wicklow, Ireland

Following my parents golden wedding anniversary celebrations in July 2010, Susy and I visited the Powerscourt Estate in Enniskerry, County Wicklow. If you are planning a visit to Dublin or spending some more time in Ireland do not miss this beautiful place. The history of Powerscourt goes back to the 13th century when a medieval castle, owned by the Le Power family (from which the estate takes its name) stood where the house stands today. The current house and grounds were commissioned in the 1730s by Richard Wingfield, the 1st Viscount Powerscourt.

View of the house from the gardens

In November 1974 a fire broke out in the top floor of Powerscourt House and by the morning the main part of the house was a roofless shell. No one was injured however all of the principal reception rooms and bedrooms were destroyed. The house was restored and re-opened in 1996, although not to its former glory. Today it is home to the best of Irish design and you can enjoy all that Avoca and Global Village Stores have to offer. Additionally you can visit the gardens or enjoy the fantastic setting of two challenging golf courses on the estate. Be sure to have something to eat in the delicious Avoca run restaurants, loads to choose from for a light snack or a hearty lunch, their chocolate caramel slices are highly recommended.

The Japanese Gardens

View towards the Sugar Loaf Mountain

The gardens at Powerscourt are probably the finest in Ireland, both for their design and their setting at the foot of the Sugar Loaf Mountain. Having grown up not far away, this is one place which I love to visit during trips back to Ireland. 

View of the house and the Italian Garden

The Pet's Cemetery contains the graves of Wingfield family dogs, cats and even horses and cattle.

The Pet's Cemetery

The Dolphin Pond was designed as a fish pond in the 18th century and in enclosed by exotic conifers in a lovely secluded garden.

For more information on the Powerscourt estate you'll find it all on www.powerscourt.ie. For more information on Avoca and their stores, you'll find their web link under Our Favourites, on the right of this post. If you are planning a trip to Ireland, be sure to plan in a visit to Powerscourt and more of County Wicklow. Yes, I'm slightly biased however I'm sure you'll agree that the scenary is simply stunning. If you like a taste of luxury, you can stay at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel and enjoy all that Powerscourt has to offer in style.

If you'd like to see some more of Wicklow's beautiful landscape, click on the following link and enjoy Climbing Djouce